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Executive summary

Last year, many millennials seemed to be planning near-term exits from their employers. But, after 12 months of political and social upheaval, those ambitions have been tempered, according to Deloitte Global’s sixth annual Millennial Survey. Young professionals now indicate they’re less likely to leave the security of their jobs, more concerned about uncertainty arising from conflict, and—especially in developed countries—not optimistic about their future prospects nor the directions their countries are going. The findings are based on the views of almost 8,000 millennials questioned across 30 countries in September 2016.

Millennials in emerging markets generally expect to be both financially (71 percent) and emotionally (62 percent) better off than their parents. This is in stark contrast to mature markets, where only 36 percent of millennials predict they will be financially better off than their parents and 31 percent say they’ll be happier.

Millennials view business positively and believe it’s behaving in an increasingly responsible manner; 76 percent say businesses, in general, are having a positive impact on the wider society in which they operate. However, they also believe multinational businesses are not fully realizing their potential to alleviate society’s biggest challenges.

Millennials feel accountable for many issues in both the workplace and the wider world. However, it is primarily in and via the workplace that they feel most able to make an impact. Opportunities to be involved with “good causes” at the local level, many of which are enabled by employers, provide millennials with a greater feeling of influence.

Surveyed millennials, in general, do not support leaders who take divisive positions, or aim for radical transformation rather than gradual change. They are more comfortable with plain, straight-talking language from both business and political leaders; respond to passionate opinions; and identify with leaders who appeal to anyone who might feel “left out” or isolated.

In spite of perceived across-the-board advantages of working as freelancers or consultants, nearly two-thirds of millennials said they prefer full-time employment. Millennials’ anxiety about world events and increasing automation may be partially responsible for them wanting to remain in their jobs, but the allure of flexible working options might be just as influential.

Millennials tend to have a broadly positive opinion of GenZ (those currently aged 18 or younger), believing the group to have strong information technology skills and the ability to think creatively. Six in 10 millennials believe GenZ will have a positive impact as their presence in the workplace expands; this belief is higher in emerging markets (70 percent) than in mature markets (52 percent).

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Deloitte is co-hosting a series of live discussions on Twitter featuring trends from our sixth annual #MillennialSurvey. We'll be joined by a variety of co-hosts and special guests to explore a unique millennial topic and gather millennial insights from across the globe on important topics. Follow @Deloitte and #MillennialSurvey for chat-related announcements and join in on the next one!

Upcoming chats

30 August at 9 a.m. EDT

Millennials on social progress

What does social progress look like? Why is it important to millennials, businesses, and governments across the world? Now is your turn to have your voice heard!

Deloitte and the Social Progress Imperative will co-host a discussion to explore the three dimensions of social progress: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing and Opportunity. We will examine insights from the 2017 Social Progress Index and engage with Twitter users worldwide who will share their unique experiences and opinions. Special guest Michael Green, CEO Social Progress Imperative and co-creator of the index, will take questions live and share his extensive knowledge about social progress—,a fast-growing international movement.

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